Illinois Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon at the University of Illinois
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1189578
4 Alumni Rejoiced and Reconnected at 50-Something Reunion B ased on feedback, the Sigma Phi Epsilon 50-Something Reunion was a great success and "a good time was had by all!" There were 46 SigEps and several spouses who enjoyed the weekend event, September 13-15, in Champaign. Friday night, Jim McGreevy '69 opened at the hotel dining room with an overview of events and moment of silence for departed brothers. John Brubaker '68 recognized the contributions of Vance Fraley '56 and National awards. Michael "Surf" Andrews '69 overviewed his 50-Something Special Edition. We enjoyed snacks, beverages, pizza, and lots of renewed friendships, shared stories, and memories. Thank you, Terry Brown '68, for serving as Banker! Saturday started with breakfast at the hotel, and then the gang headed to the houseāit was a beautiful, sunny day. Under the leadership of John Brubaker, many cheered on the Illlini, watching a close football game loss to Eastern Michigan. Others enjoyed walking tours to the quad, campus town, shops, and beverages. At 3 p.m., we enjoyed a special Alumni Board-sponsored barbecue delivered by Michelle Murphy and team. House tours followed with videos of 2018 Florida SigEp Snowbirds, the 1967 Rush movie, and the 1989 20-Something Reunion weekend video. The reunion was also the launch event for the Illinois Alpha New Member GPA Scholarship. This $350 award will support new members with a first semester GPA of 3.4 or higher while living in the chapter house. Back at the hotel, we enjoyed more snacks, drinks, and fellowship with a spirited trivia contest led by Tom Gaikowski '69. John Brubaker graciously donated prizes of Illini-branded sports attire. First place went to Ken Manon '69 and second to Marty Baker '69 with eight other winners following! Many had a late evening meal of sub sandwiches, and for some the revelry went on well past midnight! Sunday morning, we shared more memories and updated contact information. For some this was the first visit in 50 years and for others the latest in our 50-Something Reunion cycle of five-year reunions, basically since 1989! Many of our reunion photos are also available through Apple's shared albums feature. Those with Apple smart phones and Apple computers can request access by emailing Jim McGreevy at mcgreevy@ameritech.net. Jim also has movies shown at the reunion posted on the shared album, which is available for download. (Sorry Android/MSN users.) The Special Edition is great, including color photos, bio info, stories, historic photos, and composites. For those that would like a paper copy and/or a DVD of the 50-Something Special Edition materials, contact Surf Andres at mandrmath@gmail.com. We ask those who have not provided or updated their contact and/or bio information, to please do so. We all wonder how and what you are doing, where, and with whom! To recap, thanks for coming to the reunion and helping, make your contribution to support the 50-Something group scholarship (see page 5 for details), and update your contact information if you have not done so already. Cherish friendships, experiences, memories, and health with hopes for more! Alumni tour the Illinois Alpha's gym space. Illinois Alpha alumni enjoy lunch during the reunion weekend. Brothers and spouses visit the Alma Mater sculpture.